Valentine’s Day is in full swing so whether you’re with someone, with friends or going solo, we got you covered! Who needs a new thing when you can create some special memories and take your loved one (or yourself to an epic experience). Not sure where to go? What if we told you that we have the perfect Valentine’s Day plans and gift ideas guaranteed to please all the personalities?
Gift experiences are the easiest and most foolproof way to reconnect with your partner. friends and family, and boy do we have some recommendations! Gift your loved ones something they’ll remember for years to come, from incredible concerts and immersive exhibitions, to a special treat for a movie buff and more. You’re sure to find the perfect gifts with our ultimate experiential gift guide below:
1. Take a Stroll Around Some Light Trails at Luminosa
Luminosa: A Festival of Lights is open in Queens this winter and it’s creating some epic scenes to walk through! Flushing is magical all on its own with an abundance of culture, food and shopping. Luminosa illuminates this iconic neighborhood even more all through the season!
2. Feel the love under the glow of a Candlelight Concert
Whether you love rock, disco pop, classical music and more, the Candlelight concert series is bringing mesmerizing experiences to NYC’s loveliest spaces! You can catch tributes to your favorite artists, like and more, played by highly talented musicians, including Highline String Quartet.
For fans of classical music, who want to get into the Christmas spirit there are many different shows to experience! Enjoy Timeless Love Songs From Classic Films or Rings and Strings for Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings fans.
Candlelight’s Best of Bridgerton on Strings is a go-to for fans of the ton! Give the gift of music too. There are Candlelight concert gift cards for that special someone in your life!
Enjoy a series of concerts illuminated by candlelight in some of the most iconic venues in New York!
3. Give the gift of relaxation this Valentine’s Day season.
QC Spa is open all winter and you can explore their exciting new expansion, Building 111, and immerse yourself in the ultimate relaxation. Indulge in the delights of Casa QC Bistro, then unwind in heated spa pools with some of the city’s most stunning views.
Explore the themed rooms to the fullest—from saunas to relaxation rooms, and even an ice room! Plus, single and couples massage packages are available. Located on Governor’s Island, this oasis is just a ferry ride away. For more details on the ultimate spa gift, visit here!
4. Experience Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Leuca & La Vibra
Eat a meal using all of your senses! This incredibly unique and reinvigorating experience requires relying purely on your senses besides sight to navigate and enjoy your food. It can enhance your sense of taste, focus on smells, and awareness of texture. After donning your blindfold in the darkened, candlelit room, you’ll be able to experience flavors and textures like never before. And best of all, you’ll get to savor a mystery menu at Leuca on Feb 23rd or at La Vibra on select days in February and March. This will surely be a dinner to remember!
Take a seat and challenge your perception of food!5. Book a Romantic Winter Getaway
Spice things up at Fire Island or chill out at Woodstock NY. Get a taste of these quaint, sleepy towns this season, shop and just relax away from the bustling NYC streets! Go here for our full list of short getaways that are just a few hours from the city.
Got the PTO? Here’s a list of stellar weekend getaways!
6. Or Sail Around The City On A Romantic Cruise
Do you want to dance the night away on a boat or have an elegant dinner cruise. This Lovers and Friends Cruise and this Valentine’s Day Booze Cruise each sails daily throughout Valentine’s Day weekend!
7. Hit A Broadway Show & Have A Night On The Town
A classic date night of a Broadway show can’t be beat! Whether you want to see “Cult of Love” or have a girl’s night out at “& Juliet” or want to laugh it up at “Book of Mormon” there are so many Broadway shows to choose from this Valentine’s Day! If you’re a theater and music fan you might also enjoy the Broadway Sings series where incredible performers from the top plays and musicals belt out hits from Queen, ABBA, Taylor Swift and more!
8. Have an Off the Grid Museum Day
Speaking of giving the gift of art, it’s always a great time to go to the museum, especially one that’s under the radar! The Banksy Museum is one experience where you can see so much art inspired by the rebellious visions of Banksy. The Paradox Museum is filled with mind-bending installations!
9. Calling all movie lovers for the AMC Black Ticket
If your Valentine is a film buff, this might be the gift to get! Snag a discount on an AMC movie ticket with the Black Ticket for any 2D experience. There are also tickets to add on for drinks and popcorn, so why not get all the fixings for a proper movie date? Depending on the movie of course, this is one of the few experience where even your littlest Valentine can join you!
Check out more details here on the AMC Black Ticket!10. Cozy Up In A Private Igloo
For a luxurious experience, these unique winter wonderland igloos will keep you and your loved one cozy and warm! At some spots admission includes a bottle of champagne. Whether it’s with your partner or a group of friends and family, soak up epic views of NYC in the comfort of your own igloo! Enjoy Valentine’s Day at these igloo dining experiences here!